I haven’t mastered the “rejoice in our sufferings” aspect of God yet, but I’m getting closer. I have to admit, too, I don’t suffer much,and God takes excellent care of me. I’m very blessed in so many ways, and it seems I’m seldom lacking anything.

Allowing God to take care of things doesn’t mean we can sit back, and not do our best, but, we can maintain our peace and confidence while in the midst of whatever challenges we face. When we truly grasp the fact God is with us and will see us through every situation, our character and hope will grow stronger, and we will rejoice even in the midst of life’s trials and troubles.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

One of my favorite songs from the early seventies is, “Turn The Page”, by Bob Seger. He begins the song with, “On a long and lonesome highway….”. Then finishes the first stanza with, “And you don’t feel much like ridin’, you just wish the trip were through.”

There was a time I envisioned myself zooming down an empty highway in the dark of night, alone, and wishing the trip would end. It seemed the faster and farther I went, the darker it got, the lonelier I felt, and the more futile and hopeless life seemed. But something in the back of my mind kept saying, “You can get off this road. Take the next exit and go east, toward the risen Son.”

It is that simple…

To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:18

Sometimes a thought comes at you broadside and knocks you for a loop. You start thinking about things, and pretty soon you’re sitting on the curb with your head in your hands. Eventually, you shake it off and finish the walk home. Then, you write it down and show it to the world.Read the rest of this entry »

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